SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The UC Santa Barbara Women's Basketball team has selected a new member of their staff, bringing on Kalen Eddings as their incoming assistant coach.
"I am incredibly excited and grateful to be a part of the UC Santa Barbara women's basketball program," Eddings said. "From the moment I connected with the staff, it was clear how special this environment is. This is truly a group of special coaches and people who truly care about building something meaningful both on and off the court."
Eddings joins the squad from Westmont University, where he has served as an assistant coach for the men's team since August of 2025.
"We are excited to welcome Kalen to the Gaucho family. He has a special gift for teaching the game and connecting with student-athletes," UC Santa Barbara Women's Basketball Head Coach Renee Jimenez said. Having learned from some of the most innovative coaches in basketball, Kalen brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our program. We are thrilled to have him join us on this journey."
Eddings also works in Player Development at 94FEETOFGAME, a basketball training app spearheaded by the Assistant Coach of the Dallas Mavericks, Phil Handy.
"Kalen is a pure teacher of the game. Purest mindset and willing student who is always challenging himself and others to be better," Handy said. "A big part of the 94FEETOFGAME ecosystem and beyond proud of his growth"
Prior to his time at Westmont, Eddings spent time as the Head varsity coach of Cape Fear Christian Academy and Purnell Swell High School, while also serving as the assistant athletic director at the latter. His guidance led 12 players with no previous offers to newfound collegiate careers, resulting in his earning of Coach of the Year.
Eddings began his coaching career as a graduate student at the University of North Carolina, Pembroke, where he was promoted to assistant coach during his first season. During both of his seasons on staff, the Braves won back-to-back season and conference championships for the first time in school history, as well as reaching the farthest they had ever been in the NCAA Division II tournament.
He holds a Bachelor's degree in exercise science from East Carolina University and a Master's in Sport and Fitness Administration from UNC Pembroke.
"On a personal level, this opportunity means even more as my wife and I prepare to welcome our newborn baby girl. I can't wait for my daughter to grow up surrounded by such amazing women and to be part of the Gaucho basketball family," Eddings said. "It's a truly special community, and I'm honored to be joining it."
